Yesterday I attended the official opening of the Opportunity Centre at the Joburg Fresh Produce Market in City Deep which lies within Ward 57. This was a key DA initiative based on our campaign promises from 2016 which were to provide one-stop shops to assist and empower entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the City.
This Opportunity Centre is the eleventh in the City and is aimed at providing advice, coaching, and workshops which include starting up and running your own business, tax compliance, and marketing. Partners providing these workshops include Sars, Absa, and Saica. With thousands of tons of fresh produce bought and sold daily that amounts to over R4bn in turnover last year and with produce coming in from across the SADC region, the Joburg Market is a hive of activity for business.
Another key DA initiative which has sadly stalled under the ANC is the R150 million investment in the Mandela Market, which is targeted at small businesses in the food industry. We know that almost all fresh produce sold in the Inner City comes from the Joburg Market and this investment combined with the Opportunity Centre is the ideal platform for supporting the regional food economy.
I look forward to seeing the Joburg Market grow and expand its offerings for entrepreneurs and small businesses, not just in Ward 52 but across the entire City. This initiative shows that the DA is committed to a well-run City that puts residents first.